Family fun day has a serious work aim.

THE newly-refurbished grounds of Aston Hall proved to be the ideal location as hundreds of local residents took the opportunity to enjoy a day out with a difference.

While clowns and face painters entertained children, parents were able to learn about Employment Connections - a new initiative to help them secure a job.

Building on initial success, the new phase hopes to emulate the 1,000 residents now in work thanks to the proactive approach taken by the team.

After an extensive facelift, the renovated stable and courtyard complex was the focus for people to enjoy refreshments and have an informal chat about a range of services available through Aston Pride.

Aston Pride employment theme manager Cassie Sadler was delighted by the enthusiasm shown by everyone who attended.

"In the current climate, employment is high on everyone's agenda," she said. "Our partner organisations were kept busy all afternoon with numerous enquiries about the packages we can offer residents. "The message is clear - if you live in the Aston area and are looking for a job, let's see how we can work together to help meet your needs."

The Employment Connections contract, which runs until 2011, has been awarded to Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG), working in partnership with the Bangladeshi Youth Forum, and is managed by Birmingham City Council's planning and regeneration team.

"Residents will see our staff out in the community," said PPDG project manager Michelle Dale.

"Whether it's giving advice in a shopping centre or a conversation in the street about improving employability skills, it's important that we're visible as well as accessible."

For more information visit www.*aston-pride.org.uk or call the Aston Pride team on 0121 503 4650.

EMPLOYMENT Connections seeks to reduce the level of worklessness in the New Deal for Communities area that is Aston Pride.

The programme is expected to make a significant contribution to the total number of Aston Pride residents supported into work - even in the current tough economic climate. The aim is to reduce worklessness in the Aston Pride area to 26.2 per cent by the end of March 2011. Deprivation figures show that the Aston Pride New Deal for Communities area is one of the most economically disadvantaged in Birmingham, with high levels of unemployment and worklessness.

CAPTION(S):

Just the job: Residents flock to the event at Aston Hall where (right) entertainer Mad Dominic gives the launch a real lift.